Risk Factors of Mortality From Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Non-HIV Patients: A Meta-Analysis

Background: We performed a meta-analysis to systematically review the risk factors of mortality from non-HIV-related Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) and provide the theoretical basis for managing non-HIV-related PcP. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and CNKI databases were searched. A meta-analysis of the risk factors of mortality from non-HIV-related PcP was conducted. Results: A total of 19 studies and 1,310 subjects were retrieved and included in the meta-analysis, including 485 and 825 patients in the non-survivor and survivor groups, respectively. In the primary analysis, age, concomitant with other pulmonary diseases at diagnosis of PcP, solid tumors, cytomegalovirus(CMV) co-infection, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lymphocyte count, invasive ventilation during hospitalization, and pneumothorax were associated with mortality from non-HIV-related PcP, whereas sex, albumin, PcP prophylaxis, use of corticosteroids after admission, and time from onset of symptoms to treatment were not associated with mortality from non-HIV-related PcP. Conclusions: The mortality rate of non-HIV-infected patients with PcP was still high. Age, concomitant with other pulmonary diseases at diagnosis of PcP, solid tumors, CMV co-infection, LDH, lymphocyte count, invasive ventilation during hospitalization, and pneumothorax were risk factors of mortality from non-HIV-related PcP. Improved knowledge of prognostic factors is crucial to guide early treatment.